neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz 
ˈnyü-
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to invest (a territory, a nation, etc.) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war
5
: to make neutral by blending with the complementary color
6
: to give (a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation
\t\ and \d\ are neutralized when pronounced as flaps
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer noun
Examples of neutralize in a Sentence
The soldiers tried to neutralize the attack by dividing the invading army. This medicine neutralizes stomach acids. The lands between the warring countries were neutralized.
Recent Examples on the Web
Friday, with Montreal having the final chance to get favorable matchups playing at home, Tampa Bay still had success neutralizing the Suzuki line, which had just four shots on goal. —
Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Varespladib is a rescue treatment for snakebites that works by neutralizing a key toxin in 95% of snake species, according to the company. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize unstable molecules in the body, which can damage cells over time. —Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 According to the firm, the NI-L3K can neutralize a drone in roughly 10 seconds by focusing energy on critical components like motors or batteries. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eduardo A. Encina, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 Varespladib is a rescue treatment for snakebites that works by neutralizing a key toxin in 95% of snake species, according to the company. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Antioxidants are compounds that help neutralize unstable molecules in the body, which can damage cells over time. —Mavra Javed, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2026 According to the firm, the NI-L3K can neutralize a drone in roughly 10 seconds by focusing energy on critical components like motors or batteries. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for neutralize
Cite this Entry
“Neutralize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/neutralize. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlīz
neutralized; neutralizing
1
: to make chemically neutral
neutralize an acid with a base
2
: to make ineffective : nullify
neutralize an opponent's move
3
: to make electrically neutral by combining equal positive and negative quantities
4
: to make politically neutral
neutralize a country
neutralization
noun
ˌn(y)ü-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən
neutralizer
noun
ˈn(y)ü-trə-ˌlī-zər
Medical Definition
neutralize
verb
neu·tral·ize
variants also British neutralise
neutralized also British neutralised; neutralizing also British neutralising
1
: to make chemically neutral
2
a
: to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective
b
: to counteract the refractive power of (a lens) by combining it with one or more other lenses
3
: to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities
: to undergo neutralization
neutralizer noun
also British neutraliser
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